Desert Dance Theatre

For over four decades, Desert Dance Theatre has been a cornerstone of Arizona's performing arts landscape, bringing innovative and thought-provoking contemporary dance to audiences across the state and beyond. Founded in 1979 by four Arizona State University dance graduates who envisioned a professional modern dance company right here in the Valley, Desert Dance Theatre has consistently delivered powerful performances and engaging educational programs. For local residents in Phoenix and throughout Arizona, this company offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class dance that is both entertaining and deeply meaningful.

Desert Dance Theatre is not just about performance; it is deeply committed to education and community engagement. Their "Artist-in-Residence" and "Arts-in-Education" programs bring the beauty and discipline of dance directly to schools and communities, inspiring and educating through master classes, lecture demonstrations, and tailored performances. This commitment to outreach ensures that the transformative power of dance reaches a broad audience, fostering artistic and cultural growth within Arizona.

Under the artistic direction of Lisa R. Chow, Desert Dance Theatre continually enriches its eclectic repertory with works ranging from classical and comical to abstract and theatrical. They are particularly recognized for their theme-related programs that delve into cultural diversity and significant social issues, often presented through compelling music/dance/drama productions. For anyone in Arizona seeking to connect with the performing arts in a profound way, Desert Dance Theatre offers a rich and dynamic experience.

Desert Dance Theatre is housed at Dance Theater West, located at 3925 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA. This well-known address in Phoenix makes the company highly accessible for residents across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, including those in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa. Indian School Road is a significant east-west thoroughfare, providing straightforward routes and ease of navigation from various parts of the city. Being situated within a dedicated dance facility like Dance Theater West often provides convenient parking solutions for attendees.

The strategic location of Desert Dance Theatre in central Phoenix ensures that audiences and students from diverse communities can easily attend their performances, participate in classes, and engage with their educational programs. Its accessibility minimizes travel time, making it practical for regular participation in company classes or attending special events. For those in Arizona seeking to engage with a professional dance company that offers both public classes and performances, Desert Dance Theatre's Phoenix location provides an ideal and convenient hub.

• Contemporary Dance Company: A professional dance theatre company performing innovative and original concerts and mini-concerts.
• Public Dance Classes: Open classes in modern dance, ballet, jazz, creative movement, improvisation, choreography, and repertory, taught by skilled and experienced teachers.
• Master Classes: Movement classes with live accompaniment, oriented toward student training in various dance forms.
• Lecture Demonstrations: Narrated performances for children and adults, introducing contemporary dance with audience participation and discussion.
• Concerts: Full-length (60-90 minutes) and mini-concerts featuring a variety of dance selections, ranging in mood and style, incorporating modern dance, ballet, jazz, and mime.
• Residencies: Combinations of classes, lecture demonstrations, and concerts, adaptable for schools or communities (Full-Week or Half-Week).
• Collaborative Performances: Works created with other artists and organizations, such as String Sounds, and commissioned works by guest choreographers.
• Theme-Related Productions: Specializes in programs focusing on cultural diversity and social issues, like "Free At Last" (Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and "Sister Moses: The Story of Harriet Tubman."
• Arts-in-Education Programs: Quality programs offered to schools and communities designed to be inspiring, entertaining, and educational.

• Long-Standing History: Founded in 1979, with over 40 years of contributing to Arizona's cultural landscape.
• Professional Company: One of Arizona's original professional modern dance companies, providing an outlet for dancers to perform professionally.
• Diverse Repertory: Features an eclectic variety of dances, ranging from classical to contemporary, comical to dramatic, and abstract to lyrical.
• Socially Conscious Art: Specializes in theme-related programs addressing cultural diversity and significant social issues.
• Educational Outreach: Strong commitment to "Arts-in-Education" through classes, lecture demonstrations, and residencies for schools and communities.
• Experienced Leadership: Guided by Artistic Director Lisa R. Chow, ensuring continued artistic vision and quality.
• Collaboration with Other Artists: Frequently collaborates with musicians, choreographers, and other artists, enriching their performances.
• Accessibility to Public: Offers open classes and performances that are accessible to the public, fostering community engagement.
• Unique Music/Dance/Drama Productions: Integrates music and drama to create impactful and educational performances.

Address: 3925 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA

Phone: (602) 740-9616

Mobile Phone: +1 602-740-9616

For residents across the Arizona region, particularly those in Phoenix, Desert Dance Theatre stands as a profound cultural asset. This esteemed contemporary dance company offers a unique blend of captivating performances and enriching educational opportunities right in our community. Having been a pioneering force in Arizona's modern dance scene since 1979, Desert Dance Theatre provides a consistent source of artistic inspiration and cultural engagement.

Whether you are a seasoned dance enthusiast or new to the world of contemporary dance, Desert Dance Theatre offers something for everyone. Their open classes provide a chance to learn from skilled professionals, while their thought-provoking performances, often addressing relevant social and cultural themes, offer an enriching experience. The company's deep commitment to "Arts-in-Education" programs means that schools and communities throughout Arizona benefit directly from their expertise, fostering a love for dance in future generations.

The convenient Phoenix location on East Indian School Road makes it easily accessible for locals to attend performances and classes, further integrating this valuable artistic resource into daily life. By supporting Desert Dance Theatre, you are not only experiencing exceptional dance but also contributing to the vibrant cultural growth and educational outreach that strengthens our Arizona community. It is truly a local gem that continues to dance into the future, inspiring and educating us all.

Desert Dance Theatre

3925 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA